U.S. patent application number 14/225387 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-16 for protecting consumer safety and privacy.
This patent application is currently assigned to FREQUENTZ, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is FREQUENTZ, LLC. Invention is credited to Michael T. Lucas.
Application Number | 20150199721 14/225387 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53521734 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150199721 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lucas; Michael T. |
July 16, 2015 |
PROTECTING CONSUMER SAFETY AND PRIVACY
Abstract
In a computer-implemented method for product notification a
notification is received pertaining to products associated with a
product provider, the notification is related to a mobile
subscriber identity of a user registered to receive the product
notification and marketing data associated with the mobile
subscriber identity is forwarded to the product provider. This and
other methods may be performed with a system including a processor,
a memory and an application loaded on the memory. The application
further includes a delivery module configured to receive a product
notification pertaining to products associated with a product
provider, a coupling module formulated to relate the product
notification with a mobile subscriber identity. Also included with
the application is a transmitter configured to forward, to the
product provider, marketing data associated with the mobile
subscriber identity.
Inventors: |
Lucas; Michael T.; (Solona
Beach, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FREQUENTZ, LLC |
Palo Alto |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
FREQUENTZ, LLC
Palo Alto
CA
|
Family ID: |
53521734 |
Appl. No.: |
14/225387 |
Filed: |
March 25, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14155929 |
Jan 15, 2014 |
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14225387 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/14.56 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0258 20130101;
G06Q 30/01 20130101; G06Q 30/0623 20130101; G06Q 30/0207 20130101;
G06Q 30/014 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/02 20060101
G06Q030/02 |
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method for product notification,
comprising: receiving, from a product provider at a product
notification system, a notification pertaining to products
associated with the product provider; relating, in a data
management server, the notification to a mobile subscriber identity
of a user registered to receive the product notification; and
forwarding marketing data associated with the mobile subscriber
identity from the product notification system to the product
provider while withholding the mobile subscriber identity from the
product provider.
2. The computer-implemented method as set forth in claim 1, wherein
relating the notification to the mobile subscriber identity further
comprises associating the mobile subscriber identity with a product
provider identifier of the product provider.
3. The computer implemented method as set forth in claim 1, wherein
relating the notification to the mobile subscriber identity further
comprises associating the mobile subscriber identity with a product
identifier of a product to which the notification pertains.
4. (canceled)
5. The computer-implemented method as set forth in claim 1, wherein
forwarding marketing data further comprises forwarding location
information associated with the mobile subscriber identity.
6. The computer-implemented method as set forth in claim 1, wherein
forwarding marketing data further comprising forwarding a
"reviewed" status of the product notification.
7. The computer-implemented method as set forth in claim 1, further
comprising sending, from the notification system to the product
provider, a product authentication report pertaining to one or more
products associated with the product provider.
8. A computer program product for notifying product users, the
computer program product residing on a non-transitory
computer-readable storage medium and comprising instructions which,
when executed by a processor, cause one or more computers to:
receive, from a product provider, a notification pertaining to
products associated with the product provider; relate the
notification to a mobile subscriber identity of a user registered
to receive the product notification; and forward marketing data
associated with the mobile subscriber identity to the product
provider while withholding the mobile subscriber identity from the
product provider.
9. The computer program product as set forth in claim 8, wherein
the instructions which cause one or more computers to relate the
notification to the mobile subscriber identity further comprise
instructions which cause one or more computers to associate the
mobile subscriber identity with a product provider identifier of
the product provider.
10. The computer program product as set forth in claim 8, wherein
the instructions which cause one or more computers to relate the
notification to the mobile subscriber identity further comprise
instructions which cause one or more computers to associate the
mobile subscriber identity with a product identifier of a product
to which the notification pertains.
11. (canceled)
12. The computer program product as set forth in claim 8, wherein
the instructions which cause the one or more computers to forward
marketing data associated with the mobile subscriber identity
further comprise instructions which cause the one or more computers
to forward location information associated with the mobile
subscriber identity.
13. The computer program product as set forth in claim 8, wherein
the instructions further cause one or more computers to forward a
"reviewed" status of the product notification.
14. The computer program product as set forth in claim 8, wherein
the instructions further cause one or more computers to send a
product authentication report pertaining to one or more products
associated with the product provider.
15. A system for product notification, comprising: a processor; a
network-attached storage device; loaded on the network-attached
storage device, a delivery module configured to receive, from a
product provider, a product notification pertaining to products
associated with the product provider; loaded on the
network-attached storage device, a coupling module formulated to
correlate the product notification with a mobile subscriber
identity of a user registered to receive the product notification;
and loaded on the network-attached storage device, a transmitter
configured to send, to the product provider, marketing data
associated with the mobile subscriber identity while withholding
the mobile subscriber identity from the product provider.
16. The system as set forth in claim 15, wherein the coupling
module is further configured to associate the mobile subscriber
identity with a product provider identifier of the product
provider.
17. The system as set forth in claim 15, wherein the coupling
module is further configured to associate the mobile subscriber
identity with a product identifier of a product to which the
notification pertains.
18. (canceled)
19. The system as set forth in claim 15, wherein the transmitter is
further configured to forward location information associated with
the mobile subscriber identity.
20. The system as set forth in claim 15, wherein the transmitter is
further configured to forward a "reviewed" status of the product
notification.
21. The system as set forth in claim 15, wherein the transmitter is
further configured to send a product authentication report
pertaining to one or more products associated with the product
provider.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 14/155,929 filed Jan. 15, 2014, which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure pertains to managing information
regarding products and services.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Social networks and providers of digital media frequently
monitor user activity to mine market data without user awareness or
consent. The number of promotional messages the typical consumer
receives each day is intrusive and these messages frequently
require the recipient to "unsubscribe" in order to prevent future
messages from the same sender. Consumers are often unsure how they
ended up on the mailing list.
[0004] These factors, among many others, have caused many consumers
to be cautious with sharing personal data so that future
unsolicited promotional material can be avoided. This has created
challenges for product and service providers who require consumer
data to facilitate targeted marketing. Additionally, the
commonplace privacy-violating techniques do not determine with any
certainty which products or services a user actually receives since
there is no direct user testimony.
[0005] Manufacturers purchase digital media and exploit social
networks spending billions of advertising dollars to build brand
awareness or influence consumer purchases. However, since these
advertising campaigns rarely engage with target consumers directly,
advertising success is unreliable.
[0006] Retailers and other distributors typically do not permit a
product provider direct engagement with consumers. Instead,
consumer information is withheld for possible later sale back to
the product provider. However, during events such as product
recalls, important information regarding products and services must
be expeditiously sent to consumer.
[0007] While some retailers do have loyalty or wholesale programs,
which include an alert notification, the notifications are
dependent upon the retailer for ultimate delivery to consumers.
Since relevant product or alert notifications are issued by the
product provider these programs are not practical for efficient
communication. Furthermore, consumers would need to participate in
many loyalty or wholesale programs to be assured of receiving all
relevant product or alert notifications. Even then, individual
retailer programs would need to be individually monitored. The
provider's reputation and brand are at stake during a product
recall and the provider ultimately controls a corresponding cash
incentive or consumer notice to reclaim the consumer's confidence.
If the recall is not well-handled, administration costs, shipping
costs, fixing, replacing and/or disposing costs, communication,
public relations and advertisement costs, inventory costs, lost
sales of the recalled products, government fines, legal expenses,
lost future sales, reputation and brand image impact may be
incurred by the provider.
SUMMARY
[0008] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides for a
computer-implemented method for product notification. The method
involves, receiving, from a product provider, a notification
pertaining to products associated with the product provider,
relating the notification to a mobile subscriber identity of a user
registered to receive the product notification and forwarding
marketing data associated with the mobile subscriber identity to
the product provider.
[0009] In another aspect, a computer program product for product
notification is provided. The computer program product residing on
a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and comprising
instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause a computer
to: receive, from a product provider, a notification pertaining to
products associated with the product provider, relate the
notification to a mobile subscriber identity of a user registered
to receive the product notification and forward marketing data
associated with the mobile subscriber identity to the product
provider.
[0010] In yet another aspect, a system is having a processor, a
memory and an application loaded on the memory. The application
further includes a delivery module configured to receive, from a
product provider, a product notification pertaining to products
associated with the product provider, a coupling module formulated
to relate the product notification with a mobile subscriber
identity of a user registered to receive the product notification
and a transmitter configured to forward marketing data associated
with the mobile subscriber identity to the product provider.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0011] The summary above, as well as the following detailed
description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when
read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of
illustrating the present disclosure, example constructions of the
disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present
disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities
disclosed herein. Moreover, those having ordinary skill in the art
will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever
possible, like elements have been indicated by identical
numbers.
[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described,
by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams
wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an example schematic overview of a
product notification network 2000, in accordance with one
embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates an overview flow diagram of an example
method for a product notification service, in accordance with one
embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of a first example method
for product notification, in accordance with one embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of a second example method
for product notification, in accordance with one embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for
product authentication usable with a product notification service,
in accordance with one embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an example
intelligence service, in accordance with one embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of a first example server
notification system, in accordance with one embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of a second example
server notification system, in accordance with one embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of a first example mobile
method for product notification, in accordance with one
embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram of a second example
mobile method for product notification, in accordance with one
embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram of an example client
notification system, in accordance with one embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates a flow diagram of an example user
experience with a mobile method for product notification, in
accordance with one embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 13 illustrates an example user interface configured for
use with a user product notification system to facilitate product
selection.
[0026] FIG. 14 illustrates an example user interface configured for
use with a user product notification system to facilitate product
organization.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The following detailed description illustrates embodiments
of the present disclosure and manners by which they may be
implemented. Although the best mode of carrying out the present
disclosure has been disclosed, those skilled in the art will
recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing
embodiments described in the present disclosure are also
possible.
[0028] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems,
computer-implemented methods as well as computer program products
to invite a user to register, according to his or her preferences,
for notifications about product updates, alerts, recalls, or other
product information.
[0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially
eliminate, or at least partially address, problems in the prior
art, providing users with one central repository of notification
data rather than a number of individual retail systems.
[0030] According to disclosed systems and methods an anonymized
user identifier, such as a mobile subscriber identity, is known
only by the user and a server notification system, not the product
provider. As such, users may experience an improved sense of
consumer privacy. Because disclosed systems and methods can
validate and/or certify user data based upon each unique anonymized
user identifier, the provider does not need direct access to the
user data.
[0031] Products for which the notification service may offer
particular advantages include health products such as medications;
home appliances such as smoke or carbon monoxide detectors,
furnaces, water heaters or air conditioning units; home improvement
articles such as electric saws, lawn mowers or generators;
automotive vehicles including trucks, recreational personal
watercraft or motorcycles; and Food & Beverage items such as
Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG); and electronics like televisions,
computers, printers and game consoles.
[0032] Market dynamics are changing as consumers have increasing
control of engagement and, with the disclosed systems and methods,
can now opt-in for connection to the original source of products
they have received. Consumers are offered greater control over the
protection of their health and their privacy while facilitating a
more targeted engagement for product providers. This level of
engagement with the consumers also enables an influential market
advantage for providers.
[0033] Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the
present disclosure will be made apparent from the drawings and the
detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in
conjunction with the appended claims that follow.
[0034] It will be appreciated that features of the present
disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various
combinations without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
DEFINITIONS
[0035] As used here, the terms "first", "second", and the like, do
not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used
to distinguish one element from another.
[0036] As used herein, the terms "a" and "an" do not denote a
limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least
one of the referenced item.
[0037] As used herein, the term "product" may encompass a service
in addition to a physical object.
[0038] As used herein, the term "received" in the context of a
product is to be considered as encompassing purchased and/or owned.
As such, a product that is received by a consumer or other user may
have been purchased by the user or is otherwise currently owned by
the consumer. Thus, the term "received" may encompass a broader
range of circumstances by which the user came into possession of or
experienced the benefits of the product.
[0039] As used herein, the phrase "mobile subscriber identity" may
encompass a digital, numerical, or computer program code used to
identify a registered user of a mobile data processing device or
system such as a mobile phone, a phablet or a tablet computer when
the user is operating the mobile device or system over a
communications network. A typical mobile subscriber identity is
comprised of a mobile country code, a mobile network code and a
mobile subscription identification number. In accordance with some
telecommunications standards, "mobile subscriber identity" may be
referred to as a "mobile subscriber identifier" or "international
mobile subscriber identity."
[0040] As used herein, the phrase "product provider" may encompass
an entity that prepares a product or initiates delivery of a
product or service to an end user. A product provider may be a
manufacturer or similar entity not typically responsible for final
presentation directly to an end user. However, in some product or
service supply chains a manufacturer, distributor and retailer may
be regarded as a single entity.
[0041] As used herein, the phrase "product notification service"
encompasses a series of actions intended to notify a user such as a
consumer regarding information about one or more products the
consumer has received and offer a provider of the one or more
products feedback information, marketing data, etc. from the
notified user.
System Overview
[0042] Referring now to the drawings, particularly by their
reference numbers, FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an example
product notification network 2000, in accordance with one
embodiment. Product notification network 2000 includes one or more
data processing systems, depicted as client or user notification
system 1100, intelligence service 100 and provider system 1300 in
FIG. 1.
[0043] Examples of the data processing systems 100, 1100 and 1300
include, but are not limited to, smart telephones, Mobile Internet
Devices (MIDs), tablet computers, Ultra-Mobile Personal Computers
(UMPCs), phablet computers, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), web
pads, Personal Computers (PCs), handheld PCs, laptop computers,
desktop computers, Network-Attached Storage (NAS) devices,
large-sized touch screens with embedded PCs, and interactive
entertainment devices, such as game consoles, Television (TV) sets
and Set-Top Boxes (STBs).
[0044] The data processing systems 100, 1100 and 1300 are coupled
in communication via network 2000. Network 2000 may be implemented
in various ways, depending on service requirements. In one example,
network 2000 may be implemented by way of a spatially collocated
arrangement of servers and databases. In another example, network
2000 may be implemented by way of a spatially distributed
arrangement of server and database coupled mutually in
communication. In yet another example, a server and database may be
implemented via cloud computing services.
[0045] Network 2000 can be a collection of individual networks,
interconnected with each other and functioning as a single large
network. Such individual networks may be wired, wireless, or a
combination thereof. Examples of such individual networks include,
but are not limited to, Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area
Networks (WANs), Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), Wireless LANs
(WLANs), Wireless WANs (WWANs), Wireless MANs (WMANs), the
Internet, second generation (2G) telecommunication networks, third
generation (3G) telecommunication networks, fourth generation (4G)
telecommunication networks, and Worldwide Interoperability for
Microwave Access (WiMAX) networks.
[0046] Network 2000 is suitable for implementing various systems
for product notification. In order to implement a system for
product notification, intelligence service 100 provides data
services to user system 1100 and provider system 1300. In some
embodiments, user system 1100 may access intelligence service 100
to download one or more software products associated with the
product notification service. In one embodiment, user system 1100
is arranged in a manner so that its functionality is implemented
partly in data processing system 1100 and partly within
intelligence service 100. Similarly, in one embodiment, provider
system 1300 is arranged so that its functionality is implemented
partly in provider system 1300 and partly within intelligence
service 100.
[0047] Provider system 1300 allows a provider to access, update and
manage product notifications and associated content. Furthermore,
system 1300 allows the provider to receive information about how
many anonymized user identifiers have selected the provider or
specific products as among those received by the user.
[0048] The product notification service can be offered free of cost
or, alternatively, can be a service paid for by product providers
or product users or consumers that has a subscription-based billing
or a transaction-based billing, such as pay-per-use and
pay-per-feature.
[0049] It should be noted that FIG. 1 is merely an example, which
should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. It is to be
understood that the specific designation for network 2000 is
provided as an example and is not to be construed as limiting
network 2000 to specific numbers, types, or arrangements of data
processing systems, servers, databases and communication networks.
A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations,
alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present
disclosure.
Example Product Notification Processes
[0050] FIG. 2 is an illustration of steps of a method 200 for
providing a product notification service in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure. The method is depicted as a
collection of steps or actions in a logical flow diagram. Some
steps or actions may be performed by one or more data processing
devices or systems while others may be performed by one or more
users without any data processing device or system.
[0051] According to an example product notification process, a user
receives a product in a step S210. As described above, the user may
purchase the product or may come into possession of the product by
other means.
[0052] Having received the product, the user may desire to receive
occasional notifications regarding the product. In a step S220, the
user registers to receive notifications regarding the product. A
preliminary step of downloading a product notification application
may be necessary before registration or such an application may
have been previously configured on the mobile device.
[0053] During registration, the user selects one or more products
for which they would like to receive product notifications. In step
S230, the selection is recorded as a product identifier by a
product notification system in association with an anonymized user
identifier of the user. The product identifier used may be any of a
variety of digital, numerical, computer program or image codes
including but not limited to Product IDs, Stock Keeping Units,
Universal Product Codes, Price Look Up codes, Electronic Product
Codes or Global Trade Item Number. In some instances, the user may
simply select a product provider or brand in order to receive
product notifications for any product provided by the provider.
[0054] It should be noted that it is neither necessary that a user
need register for the notification service immediately after
product receipt nor register a particular product immediately after
receiving that product. In fact, a period of time may often have
elapsed between the receipt of the product and the registration
with the notification service.
[0055] In some embodiments, at various stages during the process
depicted in FIG. 2, the notification system collects marketing data
from registered users and forwards this marketing data to product
providers. For example, marketing data such as product identifiers
correlated as substitute products or complimentary products may be
transmitted from the user mobile device in a step S240 and
collected by the notification system S250 in association with the
anonymized user identifier, the product identifier or both. Reports
summarizing analyzed data may subsequently be prepared and
forwarded to product providers in a step S260. In some embodiments,
information regarding the identity of the user, including the
anonymized user identifier is completely withheld from the product
providers.
[0056] As another example, marketing data, such as the geographic
location of the user, may be forwarded to a product provider at the
time of user registration or at a later time. In some embodiments,
location information may be collected occasionally to enable
determination of a region of a user's residence, workplace or other
relevant location. With this information a provider may facilitate
penetration into a target region or target zip code and may
influence purchases in the local area of their retailers
[0057] With marketing data derived from the products and services
users have actually received and their actual user locations, media
presentations available to the users through the notification
service may be provided to include advertising media prepared
uniquely for that user. A provider may choose to advertise within a
media presentation, such as an electronic newspaper, electronic
magazine or video content, that is known to be consumed by users
who have received a given product or products. Media presentations
may be offered free to the users and paid for by the providers
hoping to reach those users.
[0058] A provider may choose a specific television program from an
entertainment network for matching to a target audience with which
the provider seeks to create brand awareness. An entire television
show or movie may then be promoted by the provider at a cost per
viewer that achieves an improved return on investment. When seeking
product or brand visibility, providers do not need to exhaust
resources on consumers who are already receiving their
products.
[0059] Marketing data may provide consumer insights regarding price
consciousness and brand sensitivity. With data analysis, marketing
data may enable prediction of the tendency of a consumer to
purchase a product as well as discovery of what influence will be
necessary, based on prior historical information, to convert to a
new brand.
[0060] As described in greater detail below, location information
associated with the anonymized user identifier may also be used in
comparisons with product chains-of-custody to perform a
verification process to reduce or eliminate consumer use of
counterfeit products or services.
[0061] In a step S270, when a product provider issues a product
notification to the notification system, the system determines
which, if any, anonymized user identifiers are associated with the
subject product of the product notification. In accordance with a
step S280, once matches have been made, the notification system
sends the product notice to the mobile devices of any and all users
having anonymized user identifiers matched to the product
notification through the product identifier.
[0062] The steps S210 to S280 are only illustrative and other
alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are
added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are
provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope
of the claims herein.
[0063] FIG. 3 is an illustration of steps of a computer-implemented
method 300 for product notification, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure. The method is depicted as a
collection of steps or actions in a logical flow diagram, which
represents a sequence of steps or actions that may be implemented
in hardware, software, or a combination thereof.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 3, in a simple embodiment, a
computer-implemented method for product notification includes
receiving a product notification request from an anonymous product
user identified by an anonymized user identifier in a step S310
and, in a step S320, employing the anonymized user identifier to
send a product notification to the anonymous product user in
accordance with the product notification request. Sending of the
product notification to the user may include transmitting the
product notification to a user device associated with the
anonymized user identifier. As an example, the product notification
may be sent to a user mobile device such as a user tablet computer
or mobile phone.
[0065] Any of a variety of types of product notifications including
varying forms of content may be sent to the user and may elicit a
variety of responses upon receipt. For example, a product
notification may include a rebate, an incentive, a discount or a
digital coupon or may include an alert regarding a travel hazard or
product recall. In some embodiments, product notifications may
remind users of products or activities that should be avoided based
upon one or more of the products indicated as having been received
by the user. For example, if a user has verified they have received
a particular medication, one or more product notifications may
include information pertaining to dangerous drug interactions.
[0066] The steps S310 and S320 are only illustrative and other
alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are
added, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence
without departing from the scope of the claims herein.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 4 and a method 400, in a more
sophisticated embodiment, after receiving a product notification
request from an anonymous product user in a step S410, an anonymous
user identifier such as a mobile subscriber identity is associated
with a product identifier according to a step S430 to facilitate
future delivery of a product notification regarding a product
identified by the product identifier. Typically, the product
identifier will identify a product received by the user, however,
the user need not necessarily have received the product to receive
a product notification. When a product notification is received
from a product provider, using the product identifier, the product
notification is matched with or otherwise related to the anonymous
user identifier in a step S440. With the identifiers related, the
product notification is sent to the user in accordance with a step
S450.
[0068] As described in greater detail below with respect to user
method 1200, a registered anonymous user may be provided with a
suggestion to invite to one or more additional users to register
for product notifications. In some examples, invited users may be
correlated with the anonymized user identifier of the inviting user
before, during or after the invitation. For example, a user may
select to invite additional users from a contacts list stored
within a device associated with the anonymized user identifier.
[0069] In a step S460, marketing data associated with the
anonymized user identifier is received by the notification system
and stored. It should be noted that marketing data collection may
begin during or immediately after receipt of a notification
request. Additionally, marketing data may collected prior to or
subsequent to sending of a product notification and may include
location information associated with the anonymized user
identifier. The "reviewed" status of a product notification may
also be collected as a component of marketing data. Upon
collection, marketing data may be immediately forwarded to a
product provider associated with the product notification or may be
held for sending at a later time according to a step S470.
[0070] The steps S410 to S470 are only illustrative and other
alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are
added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are
provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope
of the claims herein.
Example Method for Product Authentication
[0071] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method 500
for product authentication usable with a product notification
service including methods 300 and 400. A notification request is
received during a registration procedure as in either of steps S410
and S510. Once the notification request has been received and the
anonymized user identifier has been associated with a product
identifier as in either of steps S420 and S520, the product
identifier may be authenticated, if desired. A last location in a
chain of custody of the product identifier is compared with a
location associated with the anonymized user identifier in a step
S530. If user location and product location cannot be reconciled,
the product may be counterfeit or may have been diverted without
provider knowledge. An authentication report indicating whether or
not the product identifier and the associated product can be
verified may be sent to the user, to the product provider, or
both.
[0072] The steps S510 to S540 are only illustrative and other
alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are
added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are
provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope
of the claims herein.
[0073] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a computer
program product that includes a non-transitory or non-transient
computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable code
for providing product notification to users. The code, when
executed, is configured to perform the steps S410 to S470 and steps
S510 to S540 of methods 400 and 500. As steps of the disclosed
methods may be provided in different sequences, so the
computer-executable code may be configured to provide a service
having a different sequence of actions from those illustrated in
FIGS. 4 & 5. In some embodiments, a computer program product
may be executed to cause a computing device to perform the steps
S310 to S320 of method 300 as described in conjunction with FIG.
3.
[0074] A computer program product for notifying product users
resides on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and
comprises instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause
one or more computers of intelligence service 100 to receive a
product notification request from an anonymous product user
identified by an anonymized user identifier such as a mobile
subscriber identity. In response to one or more actions by the
user, the instructions cause one or more computers to associate one
or more product identifiers with the anonymized user
identifier.
[0075] Furthermore, the instructions cause one or more computers to
relate an provider product notification incoming from a provider
with the product identifier and correlate the product notification
with the user identifier. Then, according to the instructions, the
anonymized user identifier is employed to send a product
notification to the anonymous product user in accordance with the
product notification request. For example, the product notification
may be sent by the one or more computers to a mobile data
processing device or other system associated with the anonymized
user identifier.
[0076] When executed by a processor, the instructions further cause
the one or more computers to associate the anonymized user
identifier with a product identifier and compare a last location in
a chain of custody of the product identifier with a location
associated with the anonymized user identifier in order to
authenticate the product identifier.
[0077] In some embodiments, the computer program product includes
instructions that cause the one or more computers to solicit for
receipt of product notification requests from one or more
additional users correlated with the anonymized user identifier.
For example, a user may send invitations to one or more friends or
family members to suggest they also register to receive product
notifications. As with the inviting user, registration by the
friends or family will be accomplished anonymously with anonymized
user identifiers. In still other embodiments, the user may be able
to set up a "family" or "friends" account or a "friends and family"
account which with or without input from the other persons may be
configured to deliver product notifications to any member of the
respective "family", "friends" or "friends and family" account.
[0078] The computer program product may further include
instructions that cause the one or more computers to store
marketing data associated with the anonymized user identifier. The
marketing data may include location information, the "reviewed"
status of a product notification or a correlation between different
products associated with the anonymized user identifier.
[0079] After storing the marketing data, the instructions cause the
one or more computers to send the marketing data to a product
provider associated either with a sent product notification or with
a product identifier associated with the user.
[0080] The product notification sent by the one or more computers
according to the instructions of the computer program product may
include a rebate, an incentive, a discount, or a coupon or an alert
regarding a product recall or a travel hazard.
Intelligence Service
[0081] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of various components of
an intelligence service 100, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present disclosure. Intelligence service 100 may include, but
is not limited to including, a master data management server 120,
master data storage 130, Input/Output (I/O) devices 140, a user
data management server 150, user data storage 160 and Input/Output
(I/O) devices 170. Bus 110 operatively couples various components
including master data management server 120, master data storage
130, Input/Output (I/O) devices 150, user data management server
150, user data storage 160 and Input/Output (I/O) devices 170 and
may further couple notification server system 700 thereto.
[0082] The master data storage 130 and user data storage 160 may
include non-removable memory, removable memory, or a combination
thereof. The non-removable memory, for example, includes
Random-Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), flash memory,
or a hard drive. The removable memory, for example, includes flash
memory cards, memory sticks, or smart cards. Master data storage
130 and user data storage 160 may be local to master data
management server 120 and user data management server 150, remote
therefrom or distributed throughout a communications network cloud.
Various forms of security may be provided to prevent unauthorized
access to data held in master data storage 130 and user data
storage 160.
[0083] Master data storage 130 is a single source data repository
giving product providers the ability to access master data
originally describing applicable technical information, marketing
information, other information, product images and product
identifiers. In some embodiments, providers access data by synching
through master data applications. Furthermore, applicable dates of
purchase and any safety related information may be available to
assist a user who may be considering purchasing a provider product
from a third party or second-hand provider.
[0084] User data storage 160 includes a data profile of each user
including an anonymized user identifier, provider identifiers,
product identifiers, location information, "message reviewed"
confirmations and a variety of marketing data.
Example Notification Server Systems
[0085] FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of a simplified
notification server system 700 configured for notifying product
users. System 700 includes a mapping module 720 and a delivery
module 710. Mapping module 720 is arranged to associate a product
notification request with an anonymous product user identified by
an anonymized user identifier. Delivery module 710 is configured to
send a product notification to the anonymous product user in
accordance with the product notification request. System 700 is
configured to send product notifications including but not limited
to rebates, incentives, discounts, digital coupons or alerts
regarding a product recall or travel hazard. Some product
notifications may include combinations of these.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, mapping module 720
and delivery module 710 are both components of a notification
server system 700 provided as a supplement to an intelligence
service 100 (FIGS. 1 & 6). In other embodiments, one or both of
mapping module 720 and delivery module 710 are components internal
to intelligence service 100 (not illustrated).
[0087] FIG. 8 illustrates a more developed notification server
system 800. A mapping module 820 is arranged to associate a product
notification request with an anonymous product user identified by
an anonymized user identifier and to associate a product identifier
of a product received by the anonymous user with the anonymized
user identifier. A delivery module 810 is configured to send a
product notification to the anonymous product user. In some
configurations, the anonymized user identifier is a mobile
subscriber identity and delivery module 810 sends the product
notification to a mobile device associated with this mobile
subscriber identity. Delivery module 810 may also be configured to
receive, during anonymous user registration, the product
notification request and the product identifier referenced
thereby.
[0088] A binding module 830 is configured to relate a product
notification with the product identifier and a coupling module 840
is formulated to correlate the product notification with the user
identifier through use of the product identifier contained in the
product notification request.
[0089] Notification server system 800 further includes a
verification module 850 arranged to authenticate a product
identifier associated with a user by mapping module 820.
Authentication by verification module 850, as described in detail
with reference to FIG. 5, involves comparing the last location in a
product identifier chain of custody with a location associated with
the anonymized user identifier.
[0090] System 800 may further comprise a contacts module or
networking module 860 configured to solicit for receipt of product
notification requests from one or more additional users correlated
with the anonymized user identifier. It is noted that, in some
embodiments, networking module 860 or equivalent will be provided
directly on user system 1100 in order to convey additional control
and privacy to the user. In such embodiments, networking module 860
may be eliminated from system 800.
[0091] One or more of the mapping module 820, the binding module
830 or the coupling module 840 are arranged to store, at an
internal data storage or a separate data storage such as at master
data storage 130 or user data storage 160, marketing data
associated with the anonymized user identifier
[0092] Marketing data may include location information associated
with the anonymized user identifier, or a label reflecting whether
or not the product notification has been reviewed by the anonymous
user. As such, the label reflects the "reviewed" status of the
product notification.
[0093] System 800 further comprises a transmitter 870 configured to
send the marketing data to a product provider associated with the
product notification and to receive product updates for packaging
within a product notification.
[0094] As with notification server system 700, notification server
system 800 may be provided as a supplement to an intelligence
service 100 or portions thereof may reside as components of
intelligence service 100.
Example Client-Side Product Notification Methods
[0095] FIG. 9 illustrates steps of a first embodiment of a
computer-implemented method for product notification 900 performed
on a client system or user side system. The method is depicted as a
collection of steps or actions in a logical flow diagram, which
represents a sequence of steps or actions that may be implemented
in hardware, software, or a combination thereof.
[0096] The computer-implemented method for product notification
includes transmitting a mobile subscriber identity to register a
user for a product notification service in a step S910. During
registration, the name of the user is not transmitted. With the
user registered, the user data processing device, in accordance
with a step S920 sends a product provider identifier, supplier
serial number or manufacturer's number corresponding to a provider
selection made by the user. Once the product provider identifier is
associated with the mobile subscriber identity, any notification
pertaining to products associated with the product provider
identifier will be received in accordance with the product
notification service in a step S930.
[0097] According to a step S940, feedback from the user regarding
the product notification may be issued from the user device or
system for analysis in combination with feedback from other users.
In one example of notification feedback, feedback may be issued
when the user engages with the product notification to confirm the
user has reviewed the product notification, i.e. that a product
recall notice was opened or a rebate or incentive was used. This
feedback may form a part of or may be analyzed to provide marketing
data for a product provider identified by the product provider
identifier.
[0098] The steps S910 to S940 are only illustrative and other
alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are
added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are
provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope
of the claims herein.
[0099] In some embodiments, in addition to sending a product
provider identifier, the method may include the step of
transmitting a product identifier as well. FIG. 10 is an
illustration of steps of another embodiment of a
computer-implemented method for product notification 1000 performed
on a user system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure. The method is depicted as a collection of steps or
actions in a logical flow diagram, which represents a sequence of
steps or actions that may be implemented in hardware, software, or
a combination thereof.
[0100] The computer-implemented method for product notification
includes transmitting a mobile subscriber identity to register a
user for a product notification service in a step S1010. During
registration, the name of the user is not transmitted. With the
user registered, the user mobile device, in accordance with a step
S1020 sends a product provider identifier, supplier serial number
or manufacturer's number corresponding to a provider selection made
by the user with, for example, a menu or other user interface.
[0101] In a step S1030, a product identifier may be transmitted in
addition to the product provider identifier sent in step S1020. For
example, a user may be invited to select, one or more products
associated with the established product provider identifier.
[0102] In some embodiments, the user may be permitted to select
products directly, without the need for prior selection of a
product provider. In these embodiments, step S1020 may be
eliminated or may take place subsequent to step S1030 or
simultaneous therewith. Once the product identifier is associated
with the mobile subscriber identity, any notification pertaining to
products associated with the mobile subscriber identity will be
received in accordance with the product notification service in a
step S1040.
[0103] After the product notification is received, it is
established as one of a rebate, an incentive, a discount or a
digital coupon or a travel or recall notice according to a step
S1050. A travel notice may include a message describing potentially
hazardous conditions that were present on a mode of transportation
associated with the mobile subscriber identity. For example, like
products, trips may also be associated with a mobile subscriber
according to user selections. If a fellow passenger of the user is
found to potentially be harboring a contagious disease, a travel
alert associated with the trip may be presented to the user.
[0104] If the received product notification includes a travel
notice, the product notification system actively alerts the user
about a travel hazard in a step S1060 without requiring further
input from the user.
[0105] Similarly, if the received product notification includes a
product recall, the notification system actively alerts the user
about a product recall in a step S1060 without requiring further
input from the user.
[0106] It should be noted that some methods may include alerts
other than travel and recall alerts. Systems may be configured to
issue alerts during any of a variety of circumstances that may
impact the user.
[0107] In one embodiment, product notification icons presented by a
product notification messenger are highlighted, labeled or
otherwise tagged according to their alert level, importance or
criticality. For example, a product notification icon pertaining to
a travel alert or product recall may be tagged in red whereas a
product notification pertaining only to a rebate or incentive may
be tagged in green.
[0108] According to a step S1080, feedback from the user regarding
the product notification may be issued from the user device or
system for analysis either alone or in combination with feedback
from other users. As one type of notification feedback, to confirm
the user has received a product notification, the mobile device may
issue feedback when the user engages with the product notification.
For example, feedback may be issued indicating that a travel notice
was opened or that a rebate or incentive was used.
[0109] The steps S1010 to S1080 are only illustrative and other
alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are
added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are
provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope
of the claims herein.
Example User Product Notification Device
[0110] FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of various components of
a user product notification device or system 1100, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present disclosure. User system 1100 may
include, but is not limited to including, a memory 1110, a
processor 1160, Input/Output (I/O) devices 1120, a network
interface 1140, a configuration of sensors 1170, and a system bus
1150 that operatively couples various components among these. The
I/O devices 1120 may include a display screen for presenting
graphical images to a user of system 1100.
[0111] User product notification system 1100 also includes a power
source for supplying electrical power to its various components.
The power source may, for example, include a rechargeable
battery.
[0112] Memory 1110 optionally includes non-removable memory,
removable memory, or a combination thereof. The non-removable
memory, for example, includes Random-Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only
Memory (ROM), flash memory, or a hard drive. The removable memory,
for example, includes flash memory cards, memory sticks, or smart
cards.
[0113] The data memory 1110 stores a notification application 1130,
comprising a transmitter 1131, a menu or similar user interface
1132, a messenger 1233, and an alarm 1134.
[0114] Transmitter 1131 is configured to send a mobile subscriber
identity from system 1100 to anonymously register the user for a
notification service, to send an identifier of one or more
providers of products received by the user and/or to send an
identifier of one or more products received by the user.
[0115] Menu 1132 is arranged to enable selection of one or more
products received by the user and/or one or more providers of
products received by the user.
[0116] In some examples, execution of notification app 1130 on
processor 1160 may result in generating and rendering a graphical
user interface in the form of menu 1132 on a display screen. In
addition to enabling selection of products or product providers,
menu 1132 is configured to generally facilitate user interactions
with the product notification system. In some examples, the display
screen may be a touch-sensitive display screen that is operable to
receive tactile inputs from the user. These tactile inputs may, for
example, include clicking, tapping, pointing, moving, pressing
and/or swiping with a finger or a touch-sensitive object like a
pen.
[0117] Messenger 1133 is arranged to receive a notification
pertaining to products associated with the identifier of the one or
more providers. Upon receiving a product notification, messenger
1133 may be arranged to invite the user to view a rebate, an
incentive, a discount or a digital coupon or to view a message
associated with a travel hazard or a product recall. Furthermore,
messenger 1133 may be configured to issue a "message reviewed"
confirmation when the user engages with a notification.
[0118] Alarm 1134 is configured to actively alert the user about a
product recall or a travel hazard without requiring direct user
engagement with the application. For example, application 1130 and
alarm 1134 may be configured to cooperate with one or more hardware
components of system 1100 such as I/O devices 1120 so that system
1100 sounds an audible alarm even while the user is not in contact
with system 1100. In another example, while the user is interacting
with system 1100 and while notification application 1130 is
otherwise inactive, alarm 1134 may cause a visual alert to appear
on a display thereby notifying the user to the hazardous
circumstance.
[0119] Transmitter 1131, menu 1132, messenger 1133 and alarm 1134
may, for example, be parts of a software product associated with
the product notification service provided, in part, by notification
app 1130.
[0120] Application 1130 may further include an output configured to
present a representation of the location of the user, which
representation includes a depiction of a planet earth globe
surrounded by an iris.
[0121] I/O devices 1120 may include a mouse or a joystick that is
operable to receive inputs corresponding to clicking, pointing,
and/or moving a pointer object on the graphical user interface. I/O
devices 1120 may also include a keyboard that is operable to
receive inputs corresponding to pushing certain buttons on the
keyboard. Additionally, I/O devices 1120 may also include a
microphone for receiving an audio input from the user, and a
speaker for providing an audio output to the user.
[0122] Sensors 1170 may include one or more of: an accelerometer, a
magnetometer, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a gyroscopic
sensor, a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor, or a timer.
Sensors 1170 may be used to measure and collect data related to
surroundings of the user. In some examples, notification app 1130
may be interfaced with the sensors 1170. When executed on processor
1160 the software product is configured to resolve and integrate
the outputs of the sensors 1170 into useful information about at
least one of user location or product details. Sensors 1170 may
include a camera or other imaging device arranged to capture visual
information about a product the user has received or is considering
obtaining. For example, a camera may be used to recognize a product
or read a product label to record a product identifier associated
with the product. Thus, the product may be confirmed as authentic,
the user may be provided with product information, or both.
[0123] Furthermore, the network interface 1140 allows processor
1160 to upload information such as "message reviewed" status issued
by messenger 1133 to a server, for example, via a notification
network 2000. Additionally, network interface 1140 may allow client
notification system 1100 to access a server to update notification
app 1133 and/or download one or more new software products
associated with a product notification service.
[0124] Moreover, the network interface 1140 optionally allows
client product notification system 1100 to communicate with other
client notification systems, for example, via a communication
network.
[0125] Client notification system 1100 is optionally implemented by
way of at least one of: a mobile phone, a smart telephone, an MID,
a tablet computer, a UMPC, a phablet computer, a PDA, a web pad, a
PC, a handheld PC, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, an NAS
device, a large-sized touch screen with an embedded PC, and an
interactive entertainment device, such as a game console, a TV set
and an STB.
[0126] FIG. 11 is merely an example of a user product notification
device, and should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein.
It is to be understood that the specific designation for client
notification system 1100 is provided as an example and is not to be
construed as limiting system 1100 to specific numbers, types, or
arrangements of modules and/or components of system 1100. A person
skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives,
and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0127] Embodiments of notification app 1130 provide a computer
program product that includes a non-transitory or non-transient
computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable code
for a product notification service. The code, when executed, is
configured to perform the steps S910 to S940 of the method 900, the
steps S1010 to S1080 of the method 1000 or combinations of these.
As steps of the disclosed methods may be provided in different
sequences, so the computer-executable code may be configured to
provide a service having a different sequence of actions from those
illustrated in FIGS. 9 & 10. In some examples, the code may be
downloaded from a software application store, for example, from an
"App store", to a data processing unit.
[0128] A computer readable program product including notification
app 1130 comprises instructions which, when executed by a
processor, cause a computer to transmit a mobile subscriber
identity to register a user for a product notification service
without transmitting the name of the user, to send a product
provider identifier and to receive a product notification
pertaining to products associated with the product provider
identifier in accordance with the product notification service.
[0129] In some embodiments, after the instructions cause the
computer to transmit the product provider identifier, the
instructions further cause the computer to transmit a product
identifier in association with the user identifier. In these
embodiments, product notifications received may be limited to those
notifications pertaining to products for which product identifiers
have been transmitted from the user's mobile device.
[0130] Product notifications received by the computer according to
instructions comprising the program product may include an
invitation to view a rebate, an incentive, a discount, a digital
coupon or a travel or recall alert.
[0131] When the received product notification includes travel
hazard or product recall information, the instructions further
cause the computer to actively alert the user about the travel
hazard or product recall without requiring input from the user. As
described above, initiation of these alerts does not require direct
engagement or interaction by the user.
[0132] When the user engages with the sent product notification or
a message accompanying the notification, processor 1160 may execute
instructions causing the computer to issue a "notification
reviewed" confirmation since confirming receipt by the user may be
important to the product provider. For example, the product
provider may be released from some level of liability if the user
has reviewed a product recall notification but does not properly
dispose of the recalled product and becomes ill or sustains an
injury as a result. In some embodiments, the date and time of user
review are included in the issued confirmation. In further
embodiments, an automated voice telephone call may be placed to the
user as an additional prompt to review an important notification
regarding a product he or she has received.
[0133] In some embodiments, the instructions further cause the one
or more computers to present a representation of the location of
the user which, as described above, includes a depiction of a
planet earth globe surrounded by an iris.
Example User Experience During Product Notification
[0134] FIG. 12 illustrates a flow diagram of an example user
experience 1200 during a method for product notification. Some
steps or actions may be performed by one or more data processing
devices or systems while others may be performed by one or more
users without any data processing device or system.
[0135] In a step S1210, a consumer or other user wishing to receive
product notifications uses his or her processing system 1100 to
register his or her mobile subscriber identity with server
notification system 700. Registration may commence as part of
configuring a client product notification application on the
processing system 1100 or may be initiated subsequent to the
configuration of the application.
[0136] During registration or subsequent thereto, the user may be
presented with a representation of his or her geographic location.
For example, the user may be presented with a display showing a
planet earth globe surrounded by an iris. The planet earth globe
may be first presented in a spinning state, which slows to an
orientation enabling visualization of the particular location of
the user.
[0137] In a step S1220, the user selects product providers whose
products the user has received. For example, a display of the
user's system 1100 may present a number of provider icons and
invite the user to select the appropriate provider icons. In some
embodiments, the user is offered a deeper level of selection in a
step S1230 with an invitation to select product icons of those
products the user has received. In embodiments employing sensors
1170 such as a camera or other imaging device arranged to capture
visual information about a product, the user may scan a portion of
the product to make a selection. For example, the user may scan a
universal product code (FIG. 13). After selecting "scan" icon 1340,
the user may be presented display including a capture window 1344
and "scan" button 1342 and "cancel" button 1346.
[0138] With selections made, system 1100 transmits, to notification
server system 700, product identifiers or product provider
identifiers that correspond with the selected product icons or
product provider icons, respectively. After server notification
system 700 has associated product identifiers with the mobile
subscriber identity, future product notifications will be received
at the user system 1100 in accordance with a step S1240.
[0139] In a step S1250, the user may invite others to register for
the notification service. For example, the user may select one or
more contacts from a contacts list recorded in system 1100 so that
those contacts receive a message such as an email message, an SMS
message or a voicemail message encouraging them to also register.
It should be noted that step S1250, in particular, may be initiated
at any of a variety of times during the method referred to by FIG.
11. For example, step S1250 may be applied directly after the user
registers for the product notification service in step S1210.
[0140] At various stages of use, the user may be able to access
user preferences to enable controlling any of a variety of settings
of user system 1000. For example, the user may choose from what
window of time he or she would like to receive product
notifications so that notifications issued before he or she began
receiving the benefits of the product notification service may be
received retroactively.
[0141] FIG. 14 illustrates an example user interface configured for
use with a user product notification system. A number of computer
icons may represent or designate a variety of product classes into
which a user may organize received products for which he or she
wishes to receive product notifications. For example, food products
the user has received are associated with icon 1446 arranged to
resemble a grocery cart. A system such as 1000 may store
identifiers of received food products in memory 1110 according to
classification of icon 1446 such that a user later selecting icon
1446 will be presented with a listing of all current food
products.
[0142] In some embodiments, user product notification system 1100
may invite users to view entertainment content selected by
providers for direct product placement to users who have already
been established as recipients of provider products. Providers may
subscribe to this service and pay for each user view. Information
about how and when the user consumed the entertainment content can
be delivered to the provider at provider system 1300.
[0143] In some embodiments, third party databases capable of timely
user notification may be integrated into notification network 2000.
For example, a retailer or distributor who does not have user
identifiers may want to provide a convenience for their users.
Users may upload items predisposed to health risks or safety
concerns. Master data system 120 and 130 would then "flag" products
that are vulnerable to food born illness or safety concerns. In
some embodiments, social communities of users may identify
previously unknown interactions that were not identified during
pharmaceutical approval stages.
[0144] In some embodiments, a user may receive an electronic
product receipt from a retailer or distributor at a mobile device
in accordance with an anonymized user identifier such as a mobile
subscriber identity. This electronic product receipt may
subsequently be processed by the mobile device as part of the
client notification system and transmitted to the server
notification system for recording of product identifiers received
by the user as of the purchase reflected on the electronic
receipt.
[0145] In some embodiments, a provider may receive an electronic
product receipt from a retailer or distributor in accordance with
an anonymized user identifier such as a mobile subscriber identity.
This electronic product receipt may subsequently be processed by
the provider and used to determine which users, if any, are best
suited to receive a direct sales invitation or other
notification.
[0146] Embodiments of the present disclosure are susceptible to
being used for various purposes, including, though not limited to,
enabling users to receive notifications regarding matters other
than product updates and information.
[0147] Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure
described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the
scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying
claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising",
"incorporating", "consisting of", "have", "is" used to describe and
claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a
non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or
elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to
the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.
* * * * *